The City of Gosnells is considering ways to protect its urban tree canopy, with a proposed Tree Retention Local Planning Policy now open for public comment.
The policy aims to protect trees taller than eight metres, as well as trees retained or planted as a condition of a development or subdivision approval, on private land.
It reflects the City’s position that removal of certain mature trees constitutes development and should therefore require development approval.
Mayor Terresa Lynes encouraged community members to provide feedback on the proposed policy during the three week public consultation period, which closes on Friday 3 July.
“The proposed policy is designed to strike a balance between facilitating development and retaining our mature tree canopy,” she said.
“The City of Gosnells is growing rapidly, and we want to support development that creates shady, liveable communities.
“Maintaining our tree canopy is essential for reducing urban heat, protecting biodiversity and enhancing the amenity of our suburbs. Trees play a major role in making our neighbourhoods more attractive and liveable.”
If adopted, the policy would enable the City to use mapping and other data to identify trees that will be regulated under the policy and notify landowners.
Mayor Lynes said it was important to note the policy would not apply to all trees and a number of exemptions would be available.
The policy doesn’t apply to palm trees.
Approval would also not be required where a tree must be removed for health or safety reasons, as part of an approved Bushfire Management Plan, to comply with a City of Gosnells Fire Hazard Reduction Notice, or as part of a plant biosecurity response.
The proposed Tree Retention Local Planning Policy complements the City’s commitment to increasing tree canopy coverage on land owned and managed by the City of Gosnells to 30 per cent by 2040.
“Protecting trees on public land is one piece of the solution, but protecting trees on private land is equally important if we are to create a sustainable and liveable environment for our community both now and into the future,” Mayor Lynes said.
To find out more or comment on the proposal, Visit the City's website or the City of Gosnells Civic Centre.
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